Coalition tells HHS to monitor health costs

A recent report from the Essential Health Benefits Coalition asked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to keep new health benefits package costs low, as high prices could hurt the economy.

The group pleaded for the affordability of the packages so that there would be standard health insurance-related services available to the public. The new package also needs to have multiple options so consumers and employers can pick and choose what is best, the coalition noted. It also needs to keep taxpayers in mind, as reckless spending could cost more Americans in the future.

"The high cost of health care and coverage is the biggest barrier today to coverage for individuals and employers alike," said Neil Trautwein, vice president and employee benefits policy counsel at the National Retail Federation and chairman of the coalition. "While we are still reviewing the entirety of the IOM's recommendations, the question of whether individuals and employers can afford to buy the essential health benefits package must be the crucial consideration."

If the program from an employee's place of work is not the best, it may be a good plan to obtain a medical insurance quote, as there may be a better deal out there.